Hit-Run Suspect Shot, Killed By Police In North Philadelphia
By Steve Tawa and Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A driver was shot and killed by officers this morning in North Philadelphia after police say he threatened an officer while trying to elude capture on foot after striking a pedestrian and several cars.
The incident began at about 10:45 a.m. when police observed a driver strike a pedestrian and two parked cars, including a police narcotics vehicle, near Broad and Oxford Streets.
Officers attempted to stop the suspect, but he sped away. Officers then shot out the tires on the suspect's car, but he continued to drive away.
The suspect eventually ditched his pickup truck in the 1400 block of Harper Street and fled on foot. Officers continued their chase until they encountered the suspect in the 1400 block of Lambert Street.
According to police sources, the suspect said to a female officer, "Step back, I'm going to blow your head off."
Authorities say police were forced to open fire on the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead shortly after 11:00 a.m. It was not immediately known if the suspect had a weapon.
No officers were injured.
The pedestrian who was struck by the suspect's car is a Temple University student and was taken to Temple University Hospital in good condition.
A large police presence remained at the scene after the deadly incident, searching the area, possibly for a weapon. Police say they spotted drugs inside the suspect's pickup truck but were waiting for a warrant to search it.
The incident remains under police investigation.
